Controversial WPP creative director to leave company

Published on October 20, 2005.

New York—Neil French, worldwide creative director at WPP Group, is leaving the company, according to executives with knowledge of the situation. French’s departure comes after a speech at a business dinner earlier this month, during which he was reported to have said, “Women don’t make it to the top because they don’t deserve to. They’re crap.” WPP declined to comment.